Lilac Time

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

W hen he’d mentioned love, Devlin had seen the joy in her eyes, followed by a flash of doubt, and worse, fear. AnnaBeth could give love so freely, but she didn’t trust it when it came her way. She’d been hurt so badly in the past, but she was still kind and generous, and her resilience only made him love her more.

Determined to show her how much she meant to him, he countered her every move to take over—and he slowed her down, a feat that wasn’t easy. Especially when he pulled off his shirt.

“This,” she said with dramatic enthusiasm. “I’ve been wanting this since that peek you gave me in your uncle’s bathroom.” Her hands were all over his, down his abdomen, and then at the snap of his jeans.

He caught her wrists. “I like an even playing field,” he said, right before he tugged her shirt up and over her head. She tried to press herself against him, but he held her away, soaking up the sight of her. “You’re not shy.”

“Well, not usually.”

Forcing his attention from her body, he saw the bright color in her face. She was not a delicate blusher, but he hid his smile. “You are so sexy.”

“Glad you think so.” This time when she crushed herself against him, he let her, but he also got busy removing the rest of her clothes. As with everything else, they seemed to be in perfect sync. From touches to intent, they were evenly matched.

Hoping to keep the momentum going, he quickly set his cell phone, keys, and a small jeweler’s box on the nightstand.

Matching him, she pulled her cell phone from her pocket, then unclipped her keys from a belt loop.

She didn’t seem to notice the box, which was fine by him, since he wanted to address that later. He was hoping that once she realized how good they were together, in all ways, the rest would come more easily.

He’d had every intention of taking his time, savoring the experience, but the temptation of her nearness proved to be too much. Especially with her bold demands—which, yeah, were just one more thing that made her perfect.

“I love you.” He said it with every touch, every kiss. He wanted to go on saying it every day for the rest of his life.

“Yes.” She tangled her fingers in his hair, drawing his mouth back to hers. “Love . . .”

* * *

How much time had passed, Devlin wasn’t sure. He could finally draw a deep breath again, and when he did, he inhaled AnnaBeth’s fragrance. She stirred slightly, snuggling closer and releasing a satisfied sigh.

Feeling the soft thumping of her heart, Devlin said, “Now, for the rest of my plans.”

“Mmm,” she teased, moving sensually against him. “I’ll just need a couple more minutes to finish recovering.”

Life with her would never be boring. “I do love you, AnnaBeth.”

She stilled, but then rallied with a big hug. “Love ya back.”

Not exactly a romantic endorsement, but he’d learned AnnaBeth’s moods, and he knew she felt uncertain.

He coasted his hand up and down her spine, relishing the silky warmth of her skin. “Do you love me enough to share a life with me?” Before she could answer, he said, “Keep in mind that it’s not just me. It’s Uncle Sony, who I hope to have around for another decade at least, and my daughter, who I think is beyond amazing, but she’s still a rambunctious, inquisitive, ever-talkative little girl.”

She reared up to brace her arms on his chest, then gave him a frown. “Uncle Sony is healthy, you’ve said so yourself, and of course he’ll be with us for a long, long time yet.”

Us . He liked the sound of that. Whether she acknowledged it yet or not, she was already thinking of them as a family unit—together.

“I love you,” he said again.

That smoothed her frown. “Love you, too.” Then she moved on, saying, “Mia is amazing. Yes, she’s curious, but that’s a good thing. Only a really happy, healthy, secure kid could totally be herself—and let’s face it, that is pretty perfect, right? She knows she’s loved, and that’s what’s most important.”

“She loves you, too.”

Again, that hint of panic showed in her expression. “I love her more. Who wouldn’t?”

“Uncle Sony loves you. Mia loves you. But I wouldn’t want to plan a life with you if I didn’t love you.”

Her lips parted, then compressed, and she looked away without saying anything.

“AnnaBeth?” Gently holding her face, he brought her gaze back to his. “If you don’t love me, it’s okay. I’ll still want you in our lives—”

“I do love you.” Breathing a little faster, she whispered, “I have for so long.”

“Then would planning our future together be so hard?”

“Plans with other people never go right for me.”

Silently, Devlin vowed he’d give her so much love for the rest of her life that it would somehow make up for the past. “Maybe when you were a child, plans didn’t go right because you didn’t have control.” And she was still living with the hurt in a little girl’s heart. “This is different. You’re a successful woman with her own home and a job she loves. You’re independent, and you can do whatever you want, however you want. My family and I will go on loving you, regardless. You need to believe that.”

“The thing is . . . my house is my home , the only home I’ve ever had.” She hurried on, assuring him, “I love you so much, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

“I want us to be together—where doesn’t matter to me. In fact, I think your house is perfect, and it’s right next door to Uncle Sony’s.”

Her gaze widened on his. “You don’t want to keep this house?”

Finally, some of the worry left her expression. “I was already thinking of selling it and moving closer to Uncle Sony. When I mentioned it to him, he said I could live in his house.”

“Right next door to me.”

“Yes, and I can still go that route if that’s what you want. Like I said, you’re in control.”

She leaned down and kissed him. “It would be torturous to have to say good night, knowing you were so close.”

Tension coiled into his neck and shoulders, but he was determined not to pressure her. If she didn’t say yes now, he believed she would eventually. Patience , he reminded himself.

Keeping his tone as light and sincere as he could make it, he said, “If you’d prefer I not do that, then I won’t.”

“I’d prefer you just move in with me—if you’re sure you don’t mind leaving your house.”

Relief hit him in a tidal wave, and he hugged her tight, then couldn’t seem to make himself let her go. “It might take some rearranging at your place to make it work.”

She laughed. “I have an empty room, remember? Two bathrooms. An office I don’t really use that often . . . and just think how happy Ruby will be.”

Devlin laughed, too. “We can use the equity from the sale of this house for any remodeling that needs to be done.”

She worked herself out of his arms, but when he saw her face, she was grinning. “This is getting exciting.” Raising a fist, she said, “Go us!”

That deserved another kiss; then he reached out and snagged the box on the nightstand.

AnnaBeth bit her lip. “I was wondering about that.”

“So you noticed it? You didn’t let on.”

“Dude, we were about to have sex. I was a little distracted.”

Grinning, he said, “It’s for you.” Taking his time, he scooted up against the headboard and then helped her to get comfortable beside him.

“You seriously don’t need to build the suspense,” she grumbled with a mock frown. “Stop teasing.”

“I look forward to teasing you for the rest of our lives.”

Just like that, her expression melted, and she said in a soft voice, “Devlin.”

He allowed only a brief kiss so they didn’t get off track. “Just a second.” The lid of the box lifted off easily, and he took out the square, black velvet case. Loving the excitement in her eyes, he whispered, “Open it.”

Trying and failing to temper her smile, she eased up the edge, then gasped and snapped it shut again. “Devlin!”

“If you don’t like it—”

“Get real! I love it.” Opening it again, not so slowly this time, she pulled out the single, oval-cut diamond mounted on a gold band and stared at it with awe. “It’s the most beautiful thing ever.”

“No. That honor belongs to you.” He took it from her, then slid it onto her finger, finding the fit nearly perfect.

“First a tree and now this. I’m feeling spoiled.” She held out her hand to admire the ring. “When did you know this was what you wanted?”

“I think I’ve known for a while, but then that day Mia was sick, you were so good with her, it was like a kick in the heart.”

“That sounds painful.”

“Actually, it felt pretty good. Like priming a motor to run again.”

She touched his face. “Had your heart stopped doing its job?”

“Not with Mia or Sony—but yes, it wasn’t running like it should have been, not until you.” He pulled her down beside him once more. “Things started adding up in my head, like how much you love your dog, but you share her with Mia anyway. How protective you are of Sony. The way you go above and beyond for everyone.”

She nudged him. “Don’t forget my biggest sacrifice.”

Honestly, she gave so much, he wasn’t sure what she meant. “Let’s hear it.”

“I drink that disgusting tea with Sony.”

“So noble of you,” he said with a grin. “Staying with Uncle Sony, and seeing you so often, I realized that you both understood ‘home’ far better than I did.”

“It’s not so much where you are,” she said, “but who you’re with.”

“I want to be with you.”

“I want that, too.” After a moment, she asked, “Do we need a long engagement?”

“I’ll marry you tonight if you’re up for it.”

Laughing, she lightly bit his chest, then kissed the spot. “I’m pretty sure you want your uncle and daughter there.”

“And my parents will insist.”

“Your parents,” she breathed, as if the idea overwhelmed her.

“They’re going to adore you.” Soon, she’d have so many people loving her, she would never again feel alone.

She bit her lip, then let out a breath. “I was thinking, spring weddings are perfect. Sony certainly thinks so.”

“Uncle Sony married in the spring, so he’s biased.” He tipped up her face. “But I like the idea—as long as you mean this spring.” Yes, he’d wait if she needed him to, but knowing what he wanted, he’d prefer to marry sooner than later.

“The weather is perfect right now, flowers are blooming, and it wouldn’t be too hard to plan.”

“I’m with you so far.”

“Do you need fancy? Because I’m not a fancy kind of person, but if that’s what you want, I can try to figure it out.”

“I want you. Casual works great for me, and it means my parents would only need a little notice.” He tucked back the long length of her hair. “My mother will make it work no matter what, but it’ll be easier if she doesn’t have to shop for a special dress.”

She threw her arms around him. “Awesome. How about a few weeks?” Lifting her face up to his, she said, “Now that I know we’re doing this, I don’t want to wait.”

Surprised, he slowly sat forward. “That’s what you want?”

For once, she didn’t look unsure. Instead, she glowed with happiness. “Positive. Unless you need more time?”

Not about to wait, he shook his head. “I’ll tell Sony when we get back, Mia as soon as she gets home, then I’ll call Mom and Dad tonight.”

“And your mother-in-law,” she reminded him. “You’ll want to tell her before Mia does. And we should invite her to join us. After all, you and Mia are all the family she has now.”

He paused, knowing she was right but wondering how Cindy would take the news. “I’ll talk to her soon, but understand, AnnaBeth—I love you. As long as you feel the same, nothing else matters.”

The way she hugged him told him that she agreed.

* * *

AnnaBeth couldn’t remember ever being so happy. She’d seen it in Devlin’s eyes, the love he felt and the desire to spend his life with her. Not only would she have Devlin for her own, but she’d gain a bonus family, too. Score!

During the drive home, they discussed everything: when to get the marriage license, how to rearrange things in her house to fit in an active little girl, even a family vacation to Florida. It all sounded too wonderful to be real, but she reminded herself that Devlin had always been rock steady. She believed if he said it would happen, then it would.

Unfortunately, when they got to Sony’s house, there was an SUV parked at the curb that she didn’t recognize. She could tell by Devlin’s expression that he wasn’t exactly pleased.

“Who is it?” she asked.

“My mother-in-law, and now I’m wondering if she’s early because Mia is sick again.” He parked in the driveway. “I was looking forward to sharing our news with Sony and Mia.” He glanced at her. “But not in front of Cindy.”

“It’ll be a slight delay. I’m happy enough that I can wait.” In fact, AnnaBeth felt as if she were floating. She started to tell him that, but then a movement drew her eyes to Sony’s porch.

Holding Ruby in her arms, Mia stood there—with much shorter hair. “Um . . .”

Devlin noticed it at the same time. “What the hell?” He opened his door and got out.

AnnaBeth got out, too, and hurried around to him, saying low, “Smile, Devlin. You’ll hurt her feelings.”

Catching himself, he nodded, drew a long breath, and then drummed up a friendly greeting. “Hey, sweetheart.”

Mia hugged Ruby until the dog wiggled in protest. Readjusting her hold, she kissed Ruby’s head, rubbed her cheek against the dog’s ears, and said glumly, “Grandma got me a haircut.”

“So I see.” His gaze moved over her.

“It’s too short,” Mia complained, her face downcast.

AnnaBeth nudged Devlin, then said, “You’re cute as a button, Buttercup, but then you always are.”

“Very cute,” Devlin said, lightly stroking his hand over Mia’s crown, where long curls used to bounce.

Glancing behind her into the house, then back to Devlin, Mia whispered, “I don’t think I like it.”

“Well, why not?” Trying to give Devlin a moment, AnnaBeth said, “We girls need to change up our looks every now and then, am I right?”

“I look like a boy.”

“Not even!” Crouching down, AnnaBeth pretended to share a secret. “I’ve tried a few different cuts, some I liked, some I didn’t. But the great thing about our hair is that it always grows back.”

An older woman stepped into the doorway, her hands clasped tightly together. She was probably in her mid-fifties or very early sixties. Her honey-colored hair was cut in a bob, and her gaze was defiantly direct. On the slim side, dressed in stretchy slacks and a sedate tunic top, she looked pretty, and a little unsure.

No one said anything.

Even as AnnaBeth told herself to head home and let Devlin handle his family matters, she knew she couldn’t do it. In awkward and uncomfortable situations, she always felt compelled to fix things—it was how she’d gotten the horrid nickname of AB Positive.

Stepping forward, she extended her hand. “I bet you’re Mia’s grandma. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m AnnaBeth Sanders, a neighbor.”

Cindy eyed her critically but accepted her hand. “Yes, I’m Cindy Olsen. Nice to meet you.”

“AnnaBeth is family,” Uncle Sony said from behind the woman, edging his way around her to the porch. “Isn’t that right, Devlin?”

“Definitely family,” Devlin agreed. Again, he touched a gentle hand to his daughter’s hair. “When did you decide to do this, Mia? You didn’t say anything to me.”

Narrow shoulders lifted. “I didn’t really want to, but Grandma said it was time I had style.” Ruby whined, then licked Mia’s cheek in doggy commiseration.

Kneeling down, Devlin touched Mia’s chin, turning her face this way and that before stating, “As AnnaBeth said, you’re as cute as ever.” He tousled her hair, messing up the new ’do. “But honey, you never have to cut your hair if you don’t want to.”

That seemed to galvanize Cindy, who stepped farther onto the porch. “Dana would have kept her styled.”

“You don’t know that, and it’s beside the point.” He came back to his feet, tension radiating from him. “AnnaBeth and Sony, could you take Mia inside? I want to talk to Cindy just a moment.”

With that statement out there, Cindy stiffened.

Sony held out his hand to Mia. “Come on, honey. We’ll get Ruby a few doggy treats.” The two of them went aside, Mia still carrying Ruby.

AnnaBeth smiled and hooked her arm through Devlin’s. “I think we should all go in.” And maybe she could cool tempers a little. “I can make some tea.”

“You don’t like tea,” Devlin reminded her.

“Still,” she persisted, giving him a quick frown. “It’s the polite thing to do.”

For her part, Cindy glanced at each of them accusingly, then said to AnnaBeth, “You’re obviously more than just a neighbor.”

Oh, shoot. AnnaBeth hadn’t even considered how it’d look for her to latch onto Devlin; she’d just acted on instinct. Quickly, she tried to disengage, but Devlin didn’t let her. Instead, he slid his hand down to hers and laced their fingers together.

Cindy’s gaze dropped to their hands, and her eyes widened. “Is that an engagement ring?”

AnnaBeth almost cringed.

However, Devlin said simply, “I was going to call you tomorrow.”

Voice dropping to an agonized rasp, Cindy asked, “You’re telling me you’re engaged ?”

“Yes.” His voice softened. “But this wasn’t how I intended for you to find out.”

Guilt nearly crushed AnnaBeth. Of course this wasn’t how he would have told his mother-in-law. She’d messed up everything with her interference and caused an unnecessary conflict. “I’m so sorry—”

He smoothly cut off her apology. “AnnaBeth just agreed today. I’d planned to talk to Mia and Sony now, then call my parents.” Still in that calm, controlled tone, he added, “You and I can discuss the engagement later.”

“I don’t see that there’s anything to discuss. You’ve obviously made up your mind.”

“Yes, I have.” Despite her condemning tone, Devlin forged on. “For now, I want to make something perfectly clear.”

“Devlin . . .” AnnaBeth tried, but she wasn’t sure what to say. He hadn’t raised his voice, but he’d most definitely dug in, and she couldn’t help the clench of her stomach or the nervous tripping of her heart. Confrontations like this always made her uneasy, especially because she’d blundered her way into causing it. “Maybe . . .”

He released her but put a possessive hand at the small of her back. “Mia loves you, Cindy. She loves spending time with you. But you can’t keep overstepping.”

“I’m her grandmother! I have a right to—”

“See her,” he specified firmly. “To love her.”

Cindy said, “I do love her.”

“I know it. More importantly, she knows it. That won’t change, but you can’t repeatedly go against my wishes by overindulging her after I’ve asked you not to, and you definitely can’t coerce her into a haircut.”

“You haven’t been fixing her hair!”

AnnaBeth nearly gasped. Devlin was a wonderful father. No one could suggest otherwise. It worried her, because this was an insult that could bring tensions to the boiling point.

To her amazement, he still kept his cool. Honest to God, she was so proud of him, it made her love him even more.

“I wash her hair every night in her bath, and it’s brushed every morning before she starts her day.”

“She’s a little girl.” Cindy flung the words out there, her voice rising. “She should be wearing ribbons and braids and—”

“It’s too short for braids now, isn’t it?” Devlin remarked.

Cindy clamped her mouth shut.

“Also,” he continued, “she doesn’t like ribbons, and I’m not going to force her to wear them. If you wanted to have her hair cut, you should have spoken to me about it first.”

With all those reasonable statements out there, Cindy deflated. AnnaBeth suspected the woman had only wished to share something special with her granddaughter—not cause strife. She couldn’t help but feel bad for her. “Maybe I can talk to Mia, tell her how cool ribbons are or—”

Cindy shot her a look of antagonism. “No offense,” she said, which of course meant offensive comments were on their way. “I don’t need your help.” Then to Devlin, “I can see where your attention is now.”

“On my daughter, as it always is, but also with my parents, Uncle Sony, you . . . and yes, AnnaBeth.”

Raising her chin, Cindy said, “I suppose I won’t be seeing her as often?”

He seemed resigned to her continuing the disagreement. “If you can respect my wishes as her father, then we can continue as we always have. All I’m asking is that you—”

Cindy didn’t give him a chance to finish. “I’ll just get my purse and go.”

He narrowed his eyes at her abrupt rudeness, then gave a short nod. “That’s probably best.” Taking AnnaBeth’s hand, he brought her with him as he followed Cindy inside.

More slowly now, Cindy went into the living room, picked up her purse, and put the strap over her shoulder. She adjusted and readjusted, basically stalling, before slowly making her way toward the open front door, her every step reluctant.

AnnaBeth couldn’t bear it. The situation was unraveling right in front of her, and she didn’t know what to do to make it better.

Devlin said nothing. He would let Cindy leave in a snit—and honestly, AnnaBeth couldn’t blame him. Not after Cindy had pushed things so far.

Yet she was family, Mia’s grandma, and sometimes people couldn’t change who they were. AnnaBeth was living proof of that.

“I’m sorry,” she said abruptly, because she knew was about to overstep again. “Cindy, please don’t go like this.” Then to Devlin, she said, “Please, don’t let this happen.”

Cindy looked at her in surprise, but Devlin shook his head. “I’ll talk with Cindy tomorrow.”

“It’s my fault—”

“No,” Devlin said, his fingers lifting her chin. “It absolutely is not.”

“If I’d left—”

“You’re not going anywhere,” Sony interjected in his booming voice, as he and Mia stepped out of the kitchen.

“No, she’s not,” Devlin assured him.

It felt so good to have ties to this family. She knew Cindy had to feel the same. How could she not? They were all wonderful, and anyone near them could feel the love.

Drawing him to the side, and lowering her voice, she whispered, “Devlin, don’t you see? You’re stronger than her.”

“I’m less dramatic,” he replied just as quietly. “Less stubborn.” He blew out a breath. “And it’s been three years.”

AnnaBeth looked into his dark eyes—eyes that really saw her—and she breathed, “She’ll be alone.” Emotion tried to close her throat, making her voice crack. “You don’t know what that’s like.”

His gaze softened, then went to Cindy, who lingered at the door. “No, thankfully I don’t.” He touched his forehead to hers. “You are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.”

“AnnaBeth.” Mia came running to her, with Ruby keeping pace. “Are you upset?”

Quickly kneeling, she caught Mia close while Ruby jumped around her. “I’m fine, Squirt. I promise.”

“We love you, AnnaBeth.”

She choked on a tearful laugh. “You guys.” She swiped at her eyes. “Now I’m a mess.”

“A pretty mess,” Sony said, and that made Mia grin.

Cindy stoically waited. If the woman had really wanted to leave, she would have by now, right? So maybe all she needed was one more nudge. “Devlin?”

As if he understood what she was asking, he sighed, but nodded.

Mia called out, “Bye, Grandma. I mostly had fun today.”

A startled sound, part humor, part relief, came from Cindy while she nodded vigorously. “Me, too, honey.”

The tea kettle started to whistle, so with a wave, Sony and Mia returned to the kitchen.

Smiling in relief, sensing that it’d be okay, AnnaBeth said, “I’ll go with them,” knowing she really had to get out of the middle of things.

Cindy said, “Wait.”

Uh-oh. She’d probably tried to make her exit too late. Cautiously, she turned, but Cindy’s expression had warmed a bit.

“If we could talk, just briefly . . .”

“Sure.” She was super proud of Devlin for smiling at Cindy as he walked with AnnaBeth to meet her halfway. Before anyone could speak, AnnaBeth said, “I really am sorry for taking you by surprise.”

Cindy graciously accepted the olive branch. “It was a bit of a shock.”

“I can only imagine. Boom, engaged to a neighbor you knew nothing about.” She tried a laugh that didn’t sound too forced. “I feel like I know you, though, because Mia talks about you a lot, all of it wonderful.”

“I adore her,” Cindy said with a grin; then she flicked a glance at Devlin. “I guess that’s why I go overboard sometimes.”

On impulse, AnnaBeth touched her arm. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but I’m so glad you and Mia have each other. I mean, Devlin is an amazing dad.”

“Yes, he is,” Cindy agreed firmly.

Huh. Score one for grandma. “And Sony is awesome, too. Loads of fun.”

“He’s always seemed very nice to me.”

“He’s the best.” AnnaBeth smiled. “But you’re Mia’s grandma, and that’s really special.”

“Thank you.” Cindy warmed another few degrees. “I bet you’re close with your grandparents.”

“Actually, I didn’t have a grandma, and now I know what I was missing.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Cindy faltered. “They’ve passed?”

Trying to play it off as unimportant, AnnaBeth lifted a shoulder. “It’s a long story, but I was raised in foster care. I never really knew any family.”

“Because of that,” Devlin said, “family is especially important to AnnaBeth.”

She loved that Devlin understood her so well. “And this is like, the greatest family ever, right? Devlin, Mia, Sony, you . . . I’m so excited to be a part of it.”

“It seems you’re already well-loved.” Wearing a gentle expression, Cindy asked, “How long have you known Devlin?”

“I moved in a year ago. With Sony being my neighbor, I got to know him first. Then Devlin and Mia were often over, and Mia fell in love with my little dog—who’s basically Mia’s dog now.” She bit her lip. “Will you forgive me for blundering in on a family matter?”

“You’re family now, too,” Devlin reminded her. He turned to Cindy. “We’re hoping to marry in just a few weeks, and if you’re able, we’d love to have you there. It’ll be small, just my parents, Uncle Sony, and Mia.”

“And . . . you’re inviting me?”

“Please say you’ll come.” AnnaBeth badly wanted her to take part. “It won’t be fancy or anything, but I’ll spiff up a little, and I’m hoping to find Mia something really pretty to wear. You could shop with us! That is, if you wouldn’t mind.” She leaned in and whispered, “And maybe if you and I wore ribbons, we could sway Mia to the idea.”

“But not coerce her,” Devlin said.

“I would never,” AnnaBeth countered theatrically, making his mouth twitch.

“I shouldn’t have, either,” Cindy admitted, with her own crooked grin. “Poor little thing looked so upset when they took the first snip, and then it was too late.” She looked at Devlin with apology. “I wasn’t sure what to do.”

“As AnnaBeth said, it’ll grow back. Going forward, though, it really would be easier if you—”

“Discuss it with you first.” She sighed. “I honestly thought she’d love it and that we’d surprise you.”

He said, deadpan, “I was surprised.”

They each laughed. And that was such a great turnaround from the earlier tension, that AnnaBeth was back to floating on happiness. Oh, how she loved these people. Plus she had a feeling she and Cindy could become friends. She wouldn’t push it, but she’d definitely remain open and hope for the best.

Devlin reached out, his hand on his mother-in-law’s shoulder. “It will never be my intent to keep her from you. You’re far too important to her, and she loves visiting you. I just think we need to work out a few issues.”

Somewhat humbled by all that, Cindy said, “Thank you.”

AnnaBeth beamed at them both. “It would mean a lot to Mia to have her grandma at our wedding.”

Clearly touched, Cindy nodded. “I’d love that. Thank you.” She lifted her chin again. “We can talk soon, but tonight you have other things to do, and you need to call your parents right away. They’ll be thrilled.”

Those words relieved AnnaBeth’s heart greatly—especially when Devlin embraced the older woman, and then walked her out to her car.

She knew there would still be the occasional conflict, but for now, she couldn’t have been happier.

* * *

It was the last day of spring, the sun shining, the breeze warm, and the second lilac tree they’d planted in AnnaBeth’s backyard barely had any fragrant blooms left. Didn’t matter. She’d planted flowers everywhere, including her window boxes.

It was a Saturday, so everyone was off work—although AnnaBeth sometimes played catchup on the weekends. Today, with Cindy and Sony both visiting for a cookout, she’d put her work aside.

The large umbrella table on her patio offered shade to Sony and Cindy while Devlin grilled and Mia played with two school friends on a newly installed swing set.

After pouring more lemonade for everyone, AnnaBeth carried a glass out to him.

“Thanks.” He guzzled down half of it, peered up at the bright sun, and asked, “Do you think Mia needs more sunscreen?”

“I sprayed her again just an hour ago.” She took the glass from him and set it aside. “The pink in her cheeks is just from running around with her friends. She’s fine.”

“Thank you.” He pressed a quick kiss to her mouth.

“For the sunscreen?” she asked. “The lemonade?”

“For loving us. For making life so wonderful.”

Smiling, she put her head on his shoulder and said, “This is all so incredibly perfect. Everything I ever wanted—but even better than I ever imagined, because it’s you.”

“You know what I think, AB Positive?” Now that she enjoyed the nickname, he used it often to reinforce it as a wonderful compliment. “It’s because we’re together, and that’s as good as it gets.”